New careers in artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is gradually transforming the world of work. It is not only changing existing jobs; it is also giving rise to new roles and specialisations.

From specialists in AI for business to automation specialists, these roles meet the new needs of businesses.

What are the new careers in AI?

1. Specialist in AI for business

An AI specialist in the business sector bridges the gap between artificial intelligence and business needs. They identify processes that can be improved through AI and support their implementation.

Required experience: Three to five years’ experience in a specialist field, project management or digital transformation may be an advantage, particularly for coordination roles.

Indicative remuneration in Switzerland: According to the Robert Half 2027 Salary Guide, comparable AI Product Manager roles offer gross annual salaries ranging from approximately 103,500 to 150,000 CHF. This range is intended as a benchmark and does not constitute a guaranteed salary for all specialists in applied AI.

2. Prompt Design Engineer

The prompt design engineer works on formulating instructions for generative AI tools in order to obtain more accurate results that are tailored to professional needs.

Skills and training: A good command of writing, logic, analysis and the workings of generative AI models is essential. Knowledge of computer science, natural language processing or a specialist business field may be useful.

Required experience: In particular, companies are looking for candidates who are able to test results, assess their reliability and understand users’ needs. Experience in technical writing, IT development, communications or automation may be an advantage.

Remuneration: Prompt engineering is not yet a sufficiently standardised pay category in Switzerland to provide a reliable and representative pay range. Remuneration depends, in particular, on the technical level and the role to which this skill is linked.

It is also important to note that prompt design is gradually becoming a skill integrated into other roles, rather than a profession that is systematically practised independently.

3. AI Governance Specialist

With the development of AI, organisations must also address issues relating to security, data, compliance and responsible use. The governance specialist helps to put in place the necessary rules and best practices.

Skills and training: A degree in law, IT, risk management, cyber security or data protection can provide a good foundation. A specialisation in AI governance, compliance or digital regulation is particularly relevant.

Required experience: Companies often favour professionals who have previously worked in compliance, data protection, auditing, risk management or IT security.

Remuneration: There is no sufficiently consistent Swiss salary benchmark to identify this role in isolation. Remuneration varies significantly depending on the level of responsibility, the sector and whether the post falls under compliance, legal affairs or cyber security.

4. Data Science Specialist

Data scientists analyse large amounts of data in order to extract information that can be used to inform decision-making. Skills in AI and big data are among those for which demand is expected to rise sharply by 2030.

Skills and training: This role generally requires a higher education qualification in data science, statistics, applied mathematics or computer science. Proficiency in Python, SQL, statistics and machine learning techniques is particularly sought after.

Required experience: Entry-level candidates can gain access to certain roles through specialist training and practical projects. More advanced roles generally require experience in data analysis, modelling and project management.

Indicative remuneration in Switzerland: According to salary data published by Fed Group in October 2026, the average gross annual salary for a Data Scientist ranges from approximately CHF 88,000 for those with up to two years’ experience to CHF 120,000 for those with between nine and eleven years’ experience. These figures are indicative averages and not contractual minimum or maximum amounts.

5. Artificial intelligence consultant

The AI consultant supports businesses through their digital transformation: identifying needs, selecting tools, implementing solutions and supporting teams.

Skills and training: A higher education qualification in IT, management, engineering, economics or project management provides a relevant foundation. Skills in digital strategy, process analysis and change management are also important.

Required experience: Consultancy roles often require prior experience in a specific sector, project management or digital transformation. The ability to liaise with technical teams and decision-makers is particularly valued.

Remuneration: There is no standard salary for an AI consultant. Remuneration depends on the level of specialisation, employment status (employed or self-employed), experience and level of responsibility for projects. Roles combining strategic consultancy and AI product management can, in particular, be compared with the salary benchmarks for AI Product Managers.

6. Automation Specialist

AI also makes it possible to automate many tasks. This professional identifies processes that can be automated and implements solutions that save time and improve efficiency.

Skills and training: A background in computer science, information systems, engineering or process management is a suitable route. Knowledge of automation tools, APIs, low-code platforms and AI solutions is particularly useful.

Required experience: Companies value candidates who have previously been involved in projects relating to process improvement, software integration or robotic process automation (RPA).

Indicative remuneration in Switzerland: The Robert Half 2027 Salary Guide puts the gross annual salaries of robotic process automation (RPA) specialists at between approximately 82,000 and 112,000 CHF. This guide relates to RPA and does not necessarily cover all automation roles involving AI.

The Swiss AI job market: some key figures

The growth in skills relating to artificial intelligence is reflected in the job vacancies advertised in Switzerland.

According to PwC Switzerland’s 2026 AI Jobs Barometer, around 25,000 job advertisements requiring AI skills were published in 2025, compared with 16,000 in 2024. This represents an increase of around 56 per cent in one year. These vacancies account for 1.8 per cent of all job vacancies in Switzerland.

Another study, the Swiss AI Jobs Report, identified nearly 5,000 job vacancies specifically related to AI between July 2025 and June 2026, representing a 32 per cent increase.

These two figures do not measure exactly the same thing: the first relates to job advertisements mentioning AI skills, whilst the second relates to roles identified as being linked to AI.

Demand is also unevenly distributed across regions. During the period covered by the Swiss AI Jobs Report, Zurich recorded 2,181 vacancies, Geneva 1,082 and Vaud 872.

SMEs are playing an increasingly significant role in this development. Companies are looking for professionals who are not only able to understand the technologies, but also to integrate them effectively into their operations.

Do you need to be a computer scientist to work in AI?

Not necessarily.

Certain professions, such as Machine Learning Engineer or Data Science Specialist, require advanced technical skills. Others primarily require business expertise combined with a good understanding of AI.

A professional working in human resources, marketing, finance or management can therefore develop a specialism in the use of AI as applied to their field.

The International Labour Organisation also points out that generative AI is likely to transform jobs rather than make them disappear altogether.

How can you prepare for a career in AI?

Continuing professional development plays an important role in this development. It may be worthwhile to start by gaining a good understanding of artificial intelligence tools, and then learn how to integrate them into one’s own professional field.

The aim, therefore, is not always to change careers entirely, but to develop one’s skills to meet companies’ new expectations.

For professionals wishing to deepen their knowledge, there are several training programmes available to help them develop skills in artificial intelligence, project management and organisational transformation.

Learn about artificial intelligence with OSAM Formations

At OSAM, we offer a range of courses designed for professionals who wish to develop their skills in artificial intelligence and support the transformation of their organisation.

There are two training courses in particular that enable you to take this further:

The Federal Certificate in AI Business Specialist

This course, designed to prepare participants for the federal certificate, is aimed at professionals wishing to acquire advanced skills in designing, managing and implementing projects that integrate artificial intelligence within organisations.

The course lasts 11 months and is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and face-to-face sessions. It covers topics including AI strategy, governance, marketing, data, solution deployment and change management.

Find out more: Federal Certificate in AI Business Specialist – OSAM

The certified training course in artificial intelligence

Suitable even for professionals new to the field, this course enables participants to understand the main AI tools, identify their practical applications and learn how to integrate them into their professional practice.

A range of courses lasting 3, 7 or 11 months are available, with support provided via videoconference or in person. The course leads to a certificate and enables participants to qualify as an artificial intelligence specialist.

Find out more: Certification course in artificial intelligence – OSAM

Artificial intelligence is opening up new opportunities in many sectors. Professionals who can combine sector-specific expertise, digital skills and an understanding of AI will be well placed to support this development.

Undertaking training today means equipping yourself to better understand these changes and to seize the career opportunities they may offer.